Cozy Vegetable Barley Soup 🌾🥕🍲

This hearty and nourishing Vegetable Barley Soup is the perfect one-pot dish to warm you on a chilly day! Packed with fibrous vegetables and wholesome barley, it's not only delicious but also satisfying. The medley of flavors will delight your taste buds, making it a comforting meal for the whole family. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying experience! 🍞🥖

Ingredients

For the soup

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

• Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and set aside.

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies soften and the onions become translucent.

🥄 Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

• Stir in the rinsed barley, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

🧊 Keep an eye on the texture. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the barley against the side of the pot or adjust the liquid levels.

• Five minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach (or kale) and let it wilt.

• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your cozy bowl of goodness!

Variations

• Protein boost: Add a can of chickpeas or black beans for added protein and fiber.
• Spicy kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. 🌶️
• Herbaceous flair: Replace dried thyme with fresh herbs like dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-free: Substitute barley with quinoa or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

This Vegetable Barley Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for meal prep or serving to guests. Enjoy every hearty spoonful! 🥄💖